If you’re considering an additional door format to sit outside your main entry door, you have a few major options depending on your needs. Two of the primary choices available to you: Heavy-duty security doors or lower-security screen doors, both of which hold significant purposes for various homeowners.

At Price’s Guaranteed Doors, we have a wide range of security doors, entry doors and many others to fill your every need, whether you require strong home protection, a screen-door situation or any other area. What are the primary differences between full-protection security doors and lighter security screens? Here’s a basic primer.

Construction Format

For starters, the biggest difference between these door types is the way they’re built. Screen doors are constructed with reinforced corners, generally behind an aluminum frame with an aluminum mesh screen (some manufacturers use vinyl screens).

On the flip side, heavy-duty security doors are much more sturdily constructed. They’re generally made from 16-gauge steel, with a high-strength steel mesh in most cases. They also usually come with welded cross-segments meant for additional security. Then there’s the coating, which is usually steel powder that doesn’t scratch or rust in any way. If built correctly, these products will be very environmentally friendly as well, emitting little to no volatile organic compounds (VOCs).

Installation Themes

One of many significant differences between these door types, particularly for DIY homeowners who plan to perform door installation on their own, is the detail and timing required for this project. If you’re installing a screen door, this is often a very simple process, one that takes just a couple hours and is usually detailed in a series of steps by the door manufacturer. It’s often as simple as screwing in a couple hinges, aligning the door and attaching it, with very little hassle typically involved.

For a security door, on the other hand, installation will be a bit more involved. First and foremost, the door and related materials will be much heavier, and may require an additional person to help you with certain parts of the installation if you’re doing it yourself. In addition, there will often be a bit more complexity to this installation than there would be otherwise – more distinct components, plus often some pretty significant manpower required.

If you’re unsure about your ability to install a security door on your own, there’s nothing wrong with hiring out for this service. It’s much better to pay a bit of money to have the job done right than to try and save a few bucks, only to end up with an improperly-installed door that will actually end up costing you more money in the long run.

Locks and Other Hardware

An area you’ll often have some input on is the quality and presence of locks and other important hardware, including handles. Both low-security screen doors and high-security doors do well with deadbolt locks that slide into the frame, and many homeowners choose double locking systems for their screen doors to up the security.

For those looking to take an extra step here, consider a keyed or coded lock that works from the inside or outside. There are numerous lock and handle series and options available.

Other Accessories

While there are a few minor accessories that can be added to a screen door setup, such as magnetic closing mechanisms or certain others, the security door is much more customizable in this area. Here are a few of these that might be available to you for your security door:

• Sidelights: A theme referring to glassing in and forging each side of the door frame so it matches the door itself. This both makes the space wider, increases light and improves your aesthetic – plus may even improve airflow.
• Transom: This is the horizontal area above the door frame, and often serves as a great location for a decorative contrast, such as stained glass or many others.
• Kickplate: This is the solid area at the bottom of the door, and can be designed in a plain format, a scroll format, a scalloped edge or several others.
• Powder coat: You may also consider a powder coating for a strong finish that’s far superior to paint.

Screen or Mesh?

One reason some homeowners opt for lighter-security screen doors: The mesh used in them increases airflow and sunlight passing through the space, while still protecting the home. There are heavy mesh types meant to be sturdier and better for security if this is a concern.

Heavy-grade doors, on the other hand, usually come with high-grade steel wire screens, generally able to withstand at least 60 pounds of force. This does lead to reduced airflow, but the door will be heavier and more secure.

Price Tag

Finally, another major difference between these products will be price. You tend to get what you pay for here – lighter security screens tend to come with materials that are a bit more affordable, though this can vary. How much you spend depends on a variety of factors, including both comfort and home security.

For more on choosing between heavy-duty security doors and lower-security screen doors, or to learn about any of our entry doors, garage doors or other services, speak to the staff at Price’s Guaranteed Doors today.